Evangelism is one of our main mission in life as Christians. It requires us to spread the love of Christ to those who are yet to receive and accept the message.
The Bible records that Jesus asked his disciples to evangelize to the world by visiting people’s homes in pairs with two believers (cf. Luke 10:1–12).
In the same passage, Jesus mentioned that only a few people were willing to evangelize, despite there being many people who would be receptive to his Gospel message.
But in this article, we will be discussing the prayer for evangelism and the bible verses that supports evangelism. Read further for more helpful bible verses.
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Prayer For Evangelism Bible Verses
Why should Christians dedicate more time and effort to evangelism? Isn’t evangelism for the pastor, church leaders, or people who have been called into evangelism?
There are over 2 billion Christians and millions of churches, but few Christians purpose to evangelize. According to Matthew 28:18–20, all born-again God expects Christians to preach the gospel of Christ to non-believers.
By evangelizing, people repent and therefore do not perish- which is God’s plan. Also, by evangelizing, people who had no prior knowledge of the gospel come to terms with it. Finally, in the same way, the gospel found us, we should also do the same for others.
Psalms 105:1
O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.-
In the Old Testament, God sets out to show that He is above all gods. He creates Israel so that the people may make His name and great works known to all nations.
Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.-
At the time of this Proverb, ‘saving lives’ was associated with saving people from evil paths that led to destruction. In light of the gospel, it takes up a new form where the righteous’s produce is saving lives.
Isaiah 12:4
And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.-
The book of Isaiah works for the Old and New Testament timeline. Its immediate audience is Judah, but it also shows the Messiah coming who will save Israel and humanity.
Ezekiel 3:17-19
Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me….-
In this Scripture, God asks the prophet Ezekiel to be a ‘watchman’ for Judah. By doing so, he would communicate God’s words and warnings without fail.
The severity of the task is made known to him when God points out that by failing to share His warnings for Judah’s wickedness, he would also share in the aftermath.
Isaiah 45:22
Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.-
In this chapter, God directs His words to the surrounding nations, calling them to abandon the worship of idols and instead turn to Him for He is the able God.
Matthew 5:15-16
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.-
In this passage, He reminds His disciples that He did not want to waste His efforts and shouldn’t either.
What is Evangelism
Evangelism is the practice of spreading the Christian belief in salvation. Mission refers to the idea of missionary work, where Christians travel to an area to provide aid or education. Missionary work often includes an element of evangelism.
As we are told in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
And again, as Jesus tells us in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Accepting that good news and then telling others about it, so they know too, is the definition of evangelism.
How Do You Pray For Evangelism?
Worried about the right words to use while praying for evangelism? Here are 20 powerful prayers you can say before evangelizing.
- Thank You Jesus for making me an instrument that You can use for Your glory in the name of Jesus.
- Lord, we ask that You forgive us for every known or unknown sin in the name of Jesus.
- Lord, I receive boldness to speak and proclaim Your words with power and might in the name of Jesus.
- Oh Lord, my father, let the words of my mouth be acceptable in Your sight and be directed by You in the name of Jesus.
- My father and God let there be a massive harvest of souls today in the name of Jesus.
- We subdue by Your power any contrary spirit against our evangelism today in the name of Jesus.
- Lord, I receive Your power to preach Your words undiluted to Your people today in the name of Jesus.
- At the mention of the name of Jesus, let every plan to disturb our evangelism scatter by fire in the name of Jesus.
- We break the chain of addiction and stubbornness from the lives of people as we go out to evangelize Your words in the name of Jesus.
- Any power that is blocking our answers to the winning of souls, perishes by fire in the name of Jesus.
What is Evangelism With Bible Reference?
Evangelism is teaching or preaching the gospel with the aim to persuade. That’s it. I’m lifting that definition from 2 Corinthians 5:11 where Paul describes what we do as ambassadors for Christ.
Here are some key passages with comments that you might find helpful:
1 Peter 3:15
“. . . always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you,”-
We must know the gospel backward and forward. Don’t just memorize a gospel outline—God, Man, Christ, Response (which is critical)—but know what the gospel is not. Be able to distinguish between the gospel and the fruit of the gospel.
Biblical Reasons For Evangelism
Whatever we choose to call it, Jesus instructed us to do it. At its core, the Great Commission, evangelism, is sharing the good news of salvation, forgiveness, and grace.
Without those things, we would all be lost without hope, without a savior, and would have to endure the consequences of sin death.
In Christianity, evangelism or witnessing is the act of preaching the gospel with the intention of sharing the message and teachings of Jesus Christ.
- Jesus commanded it (Matt. 16:15)
- The apostles also commanded it (2 Tim. 4:2,5)
- Through evangelism many people would be encouraged; because the gospel is the Good News
- Evangelism is an opportunity to work directly with (and for) God (Lk. 10:2)
- It precedes baptism and salvation (Mk. 16:16)
- It proves our love for our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ (Jn. 15:12-14)
- Evangelism opens the door for healing to take place (Luke 10:9)
- It is the gateway of repentance and remission of sins (Lk. 24:47)
- Brings understanding of Scriptures unto humanity (Acts 8:30)
- Evangelism causes the Holy Ghost to move (Acts 10:44)
Evangelism is actually the work Jesus would do if He had not ascended into Heaven. Our Saviour and Lord have put His Holy Spirit in us to live His life here on earth and thus to draw many into the Kingdom of heaven.
I encourage by the all-abounding love of Christ to fully engage myself in the work of evangelism.
What to Preach During Evangelism
Tell them about your version of Christianity, what it means to you, and how your faith has changed your life for the better. It’s important to treat this conversation as a conversation between two people, putting a face on the Church.
Here are some important topics for evangelism.
- A Beating Heart
Matthew 28:18-20: What has a change of heart meant for you? For the people to whom you preach?
- Don’t Forget the Bread
God has posted His traffic signs everywhere we look: in the universe, in Scripture, and even within our own hearts. Yet we persist in disregarding his directions. Still, God does not give us what we deserve.
He has drenched His world in grace. It has no end. It knows no limits. It empowers this life and enables us to live the next. God offers second chances like a soup kitchen offers meals to everyone who asks.
- God’s Redemptive Plan: A witness, according to the dictionary, is one who has seen or heard something. It is one who is called upon to testify.
Salvation Messages For Evangelism
It’s very important that we understand that the Triune God is the one who thought of the gospel and made all the provisions for the gospel.
He did not initiate it as a result of some innate goodness within mankind, but rather he provided it as a means to bring glory to Himself.
Invitation to Respond
When the Bible speaks of people coming to salvation it does so in terms of a personal response to an invitation from the Messiah Himself.
Matt. 11:28-30
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. “For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.”-
Forgiveness and Eternal Life
Although there are many wonderful blessings that come to the one who is truly saved, the primary thing that is promised in the gospel message is forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
Acts 3:19
Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.-
Examples of Evangelism in The Bible
Within Christianity, evangelism is the spreading of the Gospel — literally, “good news” — with the intent of converting others to faith in Jesus Christ. While the written gospels and epistles have a good deal to say about evangelism, most of the actual examples of the practice are found in the Acts of the Apostles.
- Philip
Acts 8 records the significant evangelization to non-Jewish people, telling us that Philip preached Christ to the people of Samaria, many of whom believed and were baptized.
In Acts 8:26-40, we see one of the best examples of one-on-one evangelism, sometimes called witnessing.
Philip met the eunuch who was reading from the Old Testament book of Isaiah. Philip used the passage the man was reading (Isaiah 53:7-8) to explain to him that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
- Peter
The first example of biblical evangelism is found in Acts 2. Following the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Peter preached to a crowd of people, converting over 3,000 people to Christianity.
Peter is also recorded as having preached evangelistic messages after healing a lame man (Acts 3) and when brought before the Jewish Sanhedrin and Council (Acts 5).
Regarding Peter and his companions, Acts 5:42 says, “daily in the temple and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”
Bible Study on Evangelism
It works in offices, on college campuses, and in local churches. What is it? The evangelistic Bible study.
Can you really get non-Christians involved in such a study? It happens all the time, it changes lives, and it’s easier than you may think.
- Lesson 1: Start where people are.
Nicodemus came seeking Jesus under the cloak of night. Jesus encountered the woman at the well in the blistering heat of the day.
We need to be ready to share the love and message of Jesus when people are ready and when the Holy Spirit opens the door.
Day or night, at all times, we should meet people where they are and be ready to walk with them toward Jesus.
Both Nicodemus and the woman at the well were spiritually open and curious. Nicodemus was a religious leader and hungry for the truth.
The woman was a Samaritan and was thinking about the religious questions of her day.
Jesus was perfectly comfortable starting with what was on their mind and heart, not his own agenda. Like the Master, we need to meet people where they are and not impose our agendas on them.
- Lesson 2: Listen.
In both accounts, Jesus listened to the words and hearts of the people he encountered. Nicodemus and the woman had questions and Jesus not only listened, but he heard them.
As we help people move toward God, we need to listen, invite questions and really hear what people are wondering about. Defensiveness is never helpful. Focused listening is essential.
- Lesson 3: Talk about life.
Jesus talked with each of them about what was on their minds. Nicodemus was interested in who Jesus was. The woman was interested in water. So, this is where the conversations began.
Christians who reach out naturally, like Jesus, will take time to talk about whatever is on the minds and hearts of the people in their life.